Dianna Elizabeth Gillis

Dianna E. (Masslon) Gillis, 65, of Wethersfield, loving fiancée and partner of Raymond M. Dunn III for 20 years, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 with her adoring family by her side at Hartford Hospital after complications due to CHF. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 6, 1957, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Naomi (Retsch) Masslon. Dianna and her family moved to East Hartford in 1968. She was a graduate of East Hartford High School and then worked in the car industry for many years. Dianna and Ray spent the last 18 years together in Wethersfield. Over the years, she cherished time with her family and in nature when she could, either camping at their favorite campground, boating on Gardner Lake or in the peace of her garden. She loved all animals, especially her cats, Angel and Arizona and dogs, Teddy and Jaxson, who was her big cuddle buddy and protector. She looked forward to phone calls every Monday with her daughter Noelle, video chats with her grandkids, and was always one to lend an ear when you needed someone to talk to and support you. Dianna was caring, kind-hearted and genuine. She would always put the needs of others before her own.

Dianna will be greatly missed, and loving memories will live on with her long-time partner, Ray. In addition to Ray, Dianna will be cherished and remembered by her daughter, Noelle Beebe and husband Dane of Henderson, NV; her stepson, James Dunn and wife Valentina of Dedham, MA; two stepdaughters, Morgan (Dunn) Szoke and husband Balazs of Rocky Hill and Madisun Dunn of Broad Brook; three adored grandchildren, Hannah Beebe and Cameron and Eleanor Dunn; two brothers, Ken Masslon and wife Robin of Torrington and Dale Masslon and wife Lidia of Manchester; two nephews, Mark Masslon and wife Chauntelle, along with their children, Everett and Harper of Colebrook and Robert Masslon of Centreville,VA; her niece, Dayle Stark and husband Luke and their son, Theo of South Windsor, as well as many special extended family members and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a service on Saturday, November 12 at 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 837 Main Street, East Hartford, followed by a Celebration of Dianna’s Life at 3 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus, 171 Pascone Place, Newington. Donations in Dianna’s memory may be made to The American Lung Association, 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. The D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the arrangements.